Lan Shan Coffee

Yaan is a small city of many charms, but as a small city in the west of China, it is not a place where you will easily find Western creature comforts such as coffee and cafes. I did, however, find a place to fill the bill, so if you find yourself in Yaan hankering for an espresso and a quiet place to collect your thoughts or have a Western snack or meal, try Lan Shan Coffee. This cafe is conveniently located just south of the Yaan Big Bridge （雅安大桥）on the second floor of a building tucked in an alley just off of Shao Nian Gong Lu. In addition to several private rooms, the main room is well appointed with comfortable, new tables, chairs, and sofas. Along the windows are semi-private rooms with a large table, two new sofas with comfy pillows, and curtains that can be drawn to separate you from the rest of the room.

For food, there is both Chinese and Western fare. I had a pizza which was as good as others I've had elsewhere in China, including Beijing. Other Western options include salads, onion rings, french toast, spaghetti, steak, pork chops, popcorn, sandwiches, and breakfast items like ham and eggs.

Lan Shan Coffee is certainly a place you can spend a nice morning or afternoon (or evening) in a comfortable spot that is centrally located. Excellent service and reasonable prices (coffee from Y20-30, pizza Y30, snacks Y10-15).

Specific location: Lan Shan Coffee is located just south of the Big Bridge's south end. The entrance is in an alley on the east side of Shao Nian Gong Lu (this road turns into the road that goes over the bridge). It is the first alley south of the intersection of Shao Nian Gong Lu and Lin Jiang Lu (临江路）. When you enter, you will go up a flight of stairs before entering the cafe.